Amit Shah Orders States to Identify Pakistani Nationals, Ensure Immediate Return

All visas for Pakistani citizens cancelled; India formally notifies Pakistan of Indus Waters Treaty suspension amid rising tensions post-Pahalgam terror attack

New Delhi, April 25:
In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday issued fresh directives to all Chief Ministers, asking them to identify Pakistani nationals currently residing in their states and ensure their prompt return to Pakistan, sources confirmed.

Shah’s instructions come as the Centre announced the cancellation of all types of visas issued to Pakistani citizens with immediate effect, following the April 22 terrorist strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran meadow, which claimed 26 lives, including that of one Nepali tourist.

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🔍 Nationwide Crackdown on Pakistani Citizens

Sources told ANI that Shah is personally reaching out to the Chief Ministers of all states, directing them to launch identification drives and work with local law enforcement to ensure that all Pakistani nationals are tracked and repatriated at the earliest.

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💧 Indus Waters Treaty Put on Hold

The Home Minister will also chair a high-level meeting on the Indus Waters Treaty at his residence, joined by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil and senior officials. The move signals India’s firm stance against Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism.

India has formally notified Pakistan in writing about the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, citing fundamental changes in geopolitical and demographic conditions since the treaty’s inception.

According to sources:

• Jal Shakti Secretary Devashree Mukherjee sent a letter to Pakistan’s Water Resources Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza, invoking Article XII (3) of the treaty.
• The letter outlines key developments including:
  • Demographic shifts
  • Urgent clean energy needs
  • Pakistan’s violation of good faith through persistent support of terrorism

“Any treaty should be implemented in good faith, but Pakistan is promoting cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,” the notice emphasizes.

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🧾 Background: Pahalgam Terror Attack

On April 22, terrorists attacked tourists in the scenic Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others. The massacre has been described as one of the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama attack, and has triggered nationwide outrage and diplomatic fallout.

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🇮🇳 India Signals Tough Posture

The Modi government has rolled out a comprehensive response which includes:

• Diplomatic downgrades with Pakistan
• Persona non grata orders for Pakistani military officials in India
• Suspension of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals
• Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post

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The sweeping decisions mark a new phase of India’s counter-terrorism policy, combining domestic security measures with diplomatic assertiveness. Officials say more steps are likely in the coming days as investigations into the Pahalgam attack unfold.